Alpaca Association New Zealand

Photos from 2026 Morrinsville Show

Fabsuri took out Supreme Suri with Fabsuri Vulkan.

Supreme Huacaya – Brenor Warrior and Dean our judge. Brenor Warrior also took out the Linley Yeoman Memorial Trophy for finest fleece of age of alpaca.

Supreme winners of the Temuka/Geraldine Show are:

Huacaya Winner: Rustic Dawn Higgs Boson – Rustic Dawn Alpacas (photo below)

Suri Winner: Fairhaven Vivaldi – Fairhaven Alpacas (no photo sorry)

Congratulations to all winners and a huge thank you to all involved.

Here are the photos of the Supreme winners at the Tauranga A&P Show held on Saturday February 21 2026.

Supreme Suri Breed: Shadow Wood Coda

Supreme Huacaya Breed: QTAZ Wicked Game

Supreme Suri Fleece: Surico Manet

Supreme Huacaya Fleece: Brenor Warrior

Congratulations to everyone, we hope all competitors had a fun day!

🌟 That’s a wrap on AANZ Summer Safety Month!
We hope these tips help you keep your herd comfy, cool, and healthy this summer.

💬 What’s your go-to summer care hack for alpacas? Share in the comments!

Stay safe, stay cool — and enjoy the sun 🦙💚

🎄 Summer often means visitors — family stay overs, farm-sitters, or holiday helpers.

Make it easy for them to care for alpacas:
- Make a clear checklist of the daily requirements
- Explain routine & potential risks (heat, water access, shelter, signs of illness)
- Keep contact info for your preferred vet and/or experienced owner

Good planning keeps alpacas safe and you relaxed on holiday 😉

Avoid Heat-Of-Day Work - important for you as well as your alpacas.

Hot midday sun is not a great time for handling, and it is not great sunsmart behaviour for you.

Alpacas are more vulnerable to stress and heat during the midday sun.
✅ Do jobs early in the morning or late afternoon
✅ Offer breaks, water, and during handling
✅ Keep movements calm — avoid rushing

Instead, grab a cuppa and a chair, sit in the shade of a tree in the paddock, and just enjoy the company of your alpacas.

🪰 Warm, damp, and sunny weather — perfect time for flystrike and mites, which causes stress for alpacas.

✅ Check animals regularly (especially around tail, legs, belly)
✅ Keep paddocks clean and droppings managed
✅ Not sure what to look for, ask your vet or contact your local AANZ member for advice

Prevention beats treatment every time!

🌿 Summer pasture can change fast — and that affects your alpacas’ gut and health.

✅ Monitor pasture quality
✅ Provide supplementary feed if required
✅ Avoid sudden diet changes

Good feeding practices = healthy, comfortable alpacas all season long.

⚠️ Alpacas can suffer heat stress - even more so if they have not been shorn.

Watch for:
- Rapid/open-mouthed breathing or panting
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Holding head low, droopy ears
- Not eating or drinking as usual

If you spot these: move alpacas to shade, offer cool water, and if needed — call your vet.

🌳 Even if they look cosy, alpacas still need shade or shelter when it’s hot or sunny.

Under NZ’s summer sun — bright, direct, and potentially intense — shade helps prevent heat stress.

✅ Trees, shelters, or shade cloth all work — just make sure all your animals can access it when they need to.

💧 Water isn’t optional — it’s a must every day.

Alpacas drink more during warm weather, especially if they’re eating dry hay.

✅ Make sure water troughs are:
Clean and refilled daily
Easy to access (no crowding or bullying)
In shade or cool spot if possible

No water = welfare risk